Head of Bearded Man n.d.

This sanguine drawing, "Head of a Bearded Man," was created by an anonymous artist. It presents a profile of a man that appears to be a study from life. The anonymous artist renders the head of an older man with a prominent brow, furrowed forehead, and thick beard. Images such as this played an important role in the institutional history of European art. From the Renaissance onward, academies of art played a key role in artistic training. Aspiring artists were expected to master drawing from life, often using models in the studio. Though the drawing itself may not stand out as overtly progressive, the figure is based on a real person. This may suggest a subtle critique of the artifice often associated with academic art. Understanding the function of these drawings requires an investigation into the curriculum of European art academies during this period. Examination of these histories is essential for art historians seeking to understand the conditions that shape artistic production.